[Exclusive] Gwangju FC CEO's Remarks on "Club Owner's Political Difficulties" Spark Growing Controversy

Nodong Il, CEO of Gwangju FC, Explains Reappointment at Board Meeting
Says, "I Can't Leave Just Because Mayor Kang Is Unpopular"
Concerns Over Political Involvement and Election Law Violation Shock Football Community
"Neutrality Undermined, Decision Ignores Fans" - Internal Conflict at Gwangju FC Reignites
Football Community Warns of "Potential Election Interference... Fears of Political Instrumentalization"

Nodong Il, CEO of Gwangju FC (left in photo), and Lee Jeonghyo, head coach of Gwangju FC. Provided by Gwangju FC.

Controversy is spreading after it was belatedly revealed that Nodong Il, CEO of Gwangju FC, made remarks suggesting that the current political situation of Kang Gijung, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, played a role in his push for reappointment. There are concerns that not only does this imply political considerations influenced his reappointment, but it could also potentially violate election laws and infringe upon the 'political neutrality' principle of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

According to the Gwangju Football Association and club officials, the Gwangju FC board of directors deliberated and voted on CEO Nodong Il’s reappointment agenda on November 6.

During this process, CEO Nodong Il reportedly stated, "The club owner (Mayor Kang Gijung) is said to be unpopular according to various indicators. If his popularity had increased thanks to football, it would have been fine, but I feel very sorry. But just because he is unpopular, I can't simply leave my position, can I?"

In a meeting meant to comprehensively assess his reappointment as CEO of Gwangju FC, he mentioned the current political situation arising from the mayor’s declining approval ratings, rather than focusing on the club’s development direction.

After these remarks, some board members strongly objected, stating that he had "violated his own obligation of political neutrality as the club’s CEO."

Within the football community, there is a strong perception that actions involving political messages severely undermine fairness. While the circumstances are somewhat different, FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings over Park Jongwoo’s 'Dokdo-related ceremony' at the 2012 London Olympics, and the Korea Football Association has also strictly adhered to these regulations.

Amidst the confusion, the board put CEO Nodong Il’s reappointment to a vote. Of the nine board members, six voted in favor and three opposed, passing the motion. Although his reappointment is effectively confirmed, internal conflicts within the local football community are expected to intensify.

CEO Nodong Il has long been at odds with the Gwangju Football Association and the local football community over several issues, including ▲ responsibility for poor club management ▲ controversy over solidarity contributions during the signing of player Asani ▲ the appointment of non-football executives to key positions. At the board meeting, CEO Nodong Il also referred to some members of the Gwangju Football Association as "riffraff," in a similar context.

His recent remarks are showing signs of escalating into a political issue, coinciding with next year’s election season and fueling internal conflict within Gwangju FC. There is concern that Gwangju FC could be perceived as part of the mayor’s political apparatus.

A local football community official criticized, "CEO Nodong Il’s comments have made real the concern that Gwangju FC could be used as a political propaganda tool. This is an act of disregarding the fans and even contains elements that could violate election laws."

Gwangju FC fans have also expressed concern over the situation.

A representative of the Gwangju FC supporters said, "At a meeting to decide on his reappointment, he should have emphasized his role for the club’s development, but instead he brought up the club owner’s political standing, which I believe is truly dangerous."

Multiple attempts were made to contact CEO Nodong Il of Gwangju FC for comment on this matter, but he did not respond.